Nov 16, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider (53) looks to pass the puck against the New York Rangers during the first period at Madison Square Garden.

Photo credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

During Tuesday night’s game against the Boston Bruins, defenseman Nikita Zadorov elbowed Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider, and he should face significant repercussions.

In another indictment of NHL officiating this season, the linesmen and referees overseeing the match failed to hand out the proper punishment to the right players.

At 12:16 into the third period, Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov would commit an egregious foul on Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider.

This came right after the belligerent defenseman cross-checked Emmit Finnie in front of the net. Zadorov and Seider would both receive roughing penalties, and the Russian defenseman would earn a misconduct for his troubles.

But this isn’t enough. He must face repercussions for his actions.

This has been an ongoing issue with a Bruins team that plays undisciplined and brutish hockey nightly. Note there’s a difference between a strong two-way team and a team full of Slapshot rejects.

Moritz Seider would step in to defend the rookie, whom Zadorov’s carelessness could’ve hurt.

This would’ve been Seider’s second tilt with a Bruins player after throwing down with forward Mark Kastelic. Just take a look at the vicious elbow on Seider:

The NHL should suspend Boston Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov for his elbow to Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider

This is an ongoing issue with Nikita Zadorov, as he’s been suspended by the NHL before for an illegal check to Lucas Raymond’s head in 2024 as a Vancouver Canucks player.

This shows a lack of seriousness by the league to address repeat offenders who sour the game of hockey with reckless behavior.

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Nikita Zadorov should face significant repercussions for elbowing Red Wings’ Moritz Seider Tuesday

Should the defenseman Nikita Zadorov of the Boston Bruins face significant repercussions for elbowing defenseman Moritz Seider of the Detroit Red Wings?